Jeju Island

Grounds of the place we stayed at. It was beautiful, although too cold to go swimming outside.

So, after living in Korea for 6+ years we finally made it to Jeju Island. Wow, we really have missed out on this little spot. It is close and relatively easy to get to. Just a 40 minute bus ride to Cheongju Airport, then a 45 minute plane ride and you are on a very nice little island. The trip was not planned by us and we really were just along for the ride, so we had nothing to do with the arrangments. That being said, Darren went straight from the plane to the golf course and spent the next day there too! Tough trip for them, although to give him credit, he would have loved to be with his wife and kids, but it was good for him to get some good golfing in!

While the guys were golfing, the ladies and kids did some touring of the island at kid friendly locations. Our adventure began on Monday, we arrived at the resort around 1:30 we were told to eat lunch and then meet back at 3:00 to go to the Jeju Folk Village and some natural caves. These were both amazingly manicured locations. The weather was great and the kids had an amazing time. One thing that is really rare for Korea...there were very few people around. We were able to just walk around and not worry about other people, which is great!

Jeju Folk Village

The girls are ready for some cave exploration!

Sara hanging out at dinner!

After our touring we picked the guys up and returned for dinner. The next morning was very relaxing as we had to fit in the NCAA Champship game (UNC vs. MSU) Go Heels! Following the game the guys left for the golf course and the ladies and kids headed out for another adventure. This afternoon was Huree Natural Park and the Teddy Bear Museum. Once again the kids loved it. We got to feed lots of animals and just generally enjoy walking around outside and touring. The Teddy Bear Museum was a little bit more "touristy" with lots of people and inside...we didn't enjoy the indoor part too much, just went through quickly, but spent more time in the outdoor portion.

Huree Natural Park--The girls enjoyed feeding different animals and participating in different parts of Korean culture.

Outside the Teddy Bear Museum

When we returned home on Tuesday, we ate a quick dinner and headed to the pool for a swim. I mean we couldn't go to an island and leave without getting to the beach or swimming at all. The kids would have been so disappointed.

The following morning we had to get an early start. We left the resort and headed out to a horse back riding area. This was lots of fun! The kids were excited, got a little nervous on the horses, but quickly started to enjoy themselves again. They kept talking about how they were real cowboys and cowgirls.

Kacy enjoyed riding her horse "Seven" and talks so endearingly about how she misses Seven!

We made a few other quick stops on the way back to the airport, including "Mystery Road", were we were at the bottom of a slight incline, turned the bus off, and then started rolling uphill? Go figure...something with illusions of what is really uphill/downhill. Then another quick stop for some "famous" Jeju Hallabong Oranges.

Thanks to our bus driver/tour guide for making it a fun trip for all!

A final picture from Kacy as we were about to arrive to the airport, we made a quick stop a grabbed some pictures!

We climbed back onto our flight home and were back in Taejon by 3:00. It was a great, yet quick and fully packed trip!